Cleome hassleriana Sparkler 2.0 Blush - Spider flower

The Cleome Sparkler 2.0 Blush is a variety of pink and white spider flower that has been improved, with a more compact and branching habit that allows for increased flower production. Its bushy habit looks beautiful in flower beds, but also in romantic pots where its spider-like flowering topped with prominent stamens expresses its refinement. This annual plant grows quickly and thrives in sunny and warm conditions. It can be easily grown in any fresh and light soil.

The Cleome Sparkler 2.0 Blush is derived from a less hardy plant native to subtropical regions of South America called Cleome hassleriana. It is a cousin of the caper, both belonging to the family Capparaceae, and can be found naturalized in other parts of the world, in fallow lands and low-altitude slopes.

The 'Sparkler 2.0 Blush' selection quickly forms a bushy clump that reaches 70 cm (28in) in height and 50-60 cm (20-24in) in width. It has rough stems, but without thorns, and large dark green palmate leaves divided into 5 to 7 finely toothed leaflets with long petioles. Its flowering period is particularly long, starting in May and continuing until October. The inflorescences are unique and remarkable in their architecture and lightness. The flowers are long-petioled, grouped in terminal spikes that are slightly fuzzy and slightly fragrant. Each flower is composed of 4 petals narrowing into pedicels at their base, with very long stamens and styles that extend well beyond the corolla, resembling egret feathers. The flowers develop and bloom one after another, from the bottom to the top of the inflorescence, in a charming gradient from fresh pink to white.

The fruits of the cleome are also unique; they are long, slender pods measuring 6 to 12 cm (2 to 5in), suspended from the petioles. Sometimes, flowers and fruits can be observed on the same plant. It is the appearance of these fruits that gave the cleome its name of spider plant or spider flower; the numerous silicles resemble spider legs.

Cleomes are among the most beautiful annual flowers. For a beautiful effect, plant Cleome Sparkler 2.0 in the middle of a flower bed, alongside pennisetums or Perovskias for example. Planted in groups, or with other tall summer flowers (cosmos, Buenos Aires verbena, poppies, larkspurs), they will add depth and a lot of lightness. This compact variety does not require staking and is perfect for creating beautiful flowering pots.

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners; upon receipt, repot and store them in a sheltered place (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost is definitively gone.